In the News

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after House passage of Gosar Amendment #165 to the National Defense Authorization Act eliminating American dependency on critical minerals from China by 2035:

"The supply of critical minerals are essential to our economy, vital defense systems, and national security. There is no good reason we should rely on the good will of China for materials that are abundantly available in the United States. The passage of my amendment will reduce our reliance on China, bolster our country’s economy and support American manufacturing jobs."

Background:

In May of 2019, Chinese state media proposed the idea of completely banning critical mineral exports to the United States. Currently, the United States relies on China for 20 different critical minerals which include several rare earth materials defined by the Department of Defense. Critical minerals are also crucial to the production of missile guidance systems, sonar on submarines, satellite communications, computers, and iPhones.

In past geopolitical disputes, the Chinese have used this asymmetric leverage to their benefit. In 2010, China sharply limited rare earth exports to Japan, a big consumer, while the two countries were sparring over disputed islands. The Trump administration has made concerted efforts to reduce critical mineral vulnerability from China.

Gosar Amendment #165 was cosponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-2), Rep. Jody Hice (GA-10), Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-8), Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-3), Rep. Vicki Hartzler (MO-4), Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-1).

Text of Gosar Amendment #165 can be viewed HERE.